A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel set-up with car seats provides parents with the convenience of a car seat for their infant, as well as a stroller that can are able to work together. They can be costly.
These combos make it easy for parents to move a sleeping baby from the car to the stroller and back again without waking them up. This is a great option for families who are constantly moving.
Comfort
Travel systems that include an infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from car to stroller easy. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat and a stroller that click together, and are suitable for toddlers and newborns. A lot of the car-and-stroller combos on our list have a bassinet included and can be used as a safe alternative to a stroller for walks during naptime.
While a two-in-one travel system with car seat may cost more than separate items however, you'll likely save time and money if you buy the two items together. If you decide that the car seat and stroller are not right for your family, most brands have adaptors to allow you to use the car seat with an alternative stroller.
One thing to be aware of when shopping for a travel set is that these sets typically comprise an infant car seat and a stroller made to work together, and is designed to be used during the first 12 months. If you plan on keeping the seat after this point, choose a model that has a convertible car-seat that can be used for toddlers and is able to support a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems include a second seat which can be used to boost older children. This is a great option, but it may not be suitable for your particular lifestyle.
If you're looking to purchase a travel system that will last for a few years, check out our top picks for car seats as well as strollers. Our editors' top picks include the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combination, have plenty of features to aid you and your baby to stay in a comfortable position. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to smooth out the ride. The PIPA car seat also has an integrated drape canopy that can protect children who are snoozing. They also come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used with vehicles without a base making it a perfect option for families that frequently utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for parents who frequently run the errands of their children or take them out on public transportation such as buses and trains. They let you easily transfer your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing them or awakening them.
Some of the best stroller and car seat combinations also allow you to transform them into a double when your family expands. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an amalgamation of a stroller as well as a infant car seat that can be pushed into position to instantly transform into chariots for two. This feature is crucial in the event that you plan to use the car seat for your baby's primary car seat.
Other stroller and car seat combination models have more complicated conversion methods that may require you to manually connect the infant car seat onto the stroller, or use the straps that attach to the base to fix it. This method was more difficult to master during our tests than the Doona's one-step conversion. It can pose a safety risk if you misplace or forget to secure the straps prior to using the travel system.
A car seat/stroller combo is convenient but you must consider whether the infant car seats and strollers can be used together for as long as you want them to. Most car seat/stroller combo products use rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child is the age of 1. These car seats don't connect to strollers once they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seats and strollers, such as the Doona can be used as a toddler car seat with the seat belt booster when your child is no longer in the infant car seat but is too tall to fit into the standard strollers.
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for babies through early childhood. When your child is no longer in the car seats for infants and you are looking at buying a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a bigger model that can be used by toddlers and older children. Keep in mind that you should always ensure the infant car seat is set up properly and never remove it from your vehicle without taking off the straps first.
Safety
The combination of a car seat and stroller allows for easy transfer of infants from the vehicle to a stroller, and reverse the process without disturbing or waking them up. This is especially useful when you're doing errands or travelling, says Rothman. To ensure your safety, opt for a car seat that attaches to the stroller using either the simple click or the rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is secure when it's in use and that it won't come loose or fall off in transit. Combinations of car seat and stroller that can be used with or without the base are also an excellent option for vehicles with ride-sharing.
When you purchase a travel system make sure you check the weight and age limit for both the stroller and the car seat. Most infant car seats in these systems are rear-facing, and are only designed for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. These car seats can be changed into a forward-facing car seat that can be used in a vehicle, or snapped into a stroller. Stanton advises parents to be aware of all labels and directions particularly when it's time to ensure your child's weight and height requirements of the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer buying separate items to create their own travel system and others prefer pre-packaged stroller and car seats It is not unusual to see companies to offer these sets. These sets are typically less expensive than purchasing them individually. Sets such as UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are highly sought after. The stroller offers a smooth ride, springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket to store everything your baby needs. The car seat is slim and features a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional protection. 2 in 1 pushchairs is quick and simple installation, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat comes with a four-position adjustable headrest with four harness settings as well as an insert that is cushioned to ensure the comfort of your child. It is easy to clean, and it folds with one hand.
Style
Although it's tempting to purchase an infant travel system due to the convenience of moving your baby from stroller to car and back without having to wake them up, it's not the only reason to look into one. You also want to choose one that's elegant, well-balanced, and has a number of other features to make it comfortable for your child and you.
The most effective travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base, all in one box to allow seamless transition from vehicle to street. They usually have a one-piece infant car seat that snaps into a compatible stroller, and some even offer the option of a bassinet attachment to allow naptime strolls (safety research suggests that babies sleep best when in an upright position).
Strollers and infant car seats that work with 2-in-1 travel systems are lightweight, durable, and easy to fold and move. Make sure you choose models with rubber tires with a swivel wheels on the front for city streets, a large cargo basket and can hold multiple shopping bags. You also want to check how small the car seat and stroller are when they're folded to make storage easier.
Certain travel systems let you replace the infant car seat with a toddler one as your child grows out of it, giving you an additional two years of use. This is a great option if you plan to use the car seat for longer than a year, or if your partner is frequently using ride-share services or commutes via bus or train.
The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top option for families that want an all-in-one solution. It's easy to move from car seat to stroller, and back, thanks to the LATCH system that locks the seat quickly and safely in your car. It's also certified for air travel so you can board and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted to a double stroller, which allows you to take your little one on global adventures. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that match any outfit.